NBA Power Rankings: Health and Strategy as Playoffs Approach

NBA Power Rankings: Health and Strategy as Playoffs Approach

As we inch closer to the end of the NBA regular season, the excitement is palpable. With just a month left, the Cleveland Cavaliers have already secured their playoff spot, leading the East with an impressive record. But they’re not the only ones making waves. Several other teams are on the brink of clinching their spots, and the race is heating up.

One of the key factors that could make or break a team’s playoff chances is health. We’ve seen how injuries can derail a team’s momentum, as evidenced by the struggles of the New Orleans Pelicans and the Dallas Mavericks. As we dive into this week’s Power Rankings, we’ll take a closer look at each team’s health status and their strategies for the final stretch of the season. Should they focus on player development and potential draft positioning by resting their starters, or should they push to maintain their standings and ensure a healthy roster for the playoffs?

Let’s explore this week’s updated Power Rankings for all 30 NBA teams, with insights from ESPN’s panel of experts, including Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, and Chris Herring.

Note: Team rankings are based on where members of our panel think teams belong this season.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

• 2024-25 record: 55-10
• Previous ranking: 1
• Next games: @ MEM (Mar. 14), vs. ORL (Mar. 16), @ LAC (Mar. 18)

The Cavaliers are in a great position, having clinched a playoff spot and maintaining a healthy roster. Coach Kenny Atkinson has the luxury of playing 14 players in their recent win against Milwaukee, extending their win streak to 14 games. With an eight-game lead for the No. 1 spot in the East and 17 games left, the Cavs can afford to be cautious with potential injury risks without jeopardizing their playoff seeding. — Dave McMenamin

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

• 2024-25 record: 53-12
• Previous ranking: 2
• Next games: @ BOS (Mar. 12), @ DET (Mar. 15), @ MIL (Mar. 16)

Chet Holmgren’s return to playing both ends of a back-to-back is a positive sign for the Thunder. Despite a loss to the Nuggets, Holmgren’s presence alongside Isaiah Hartenstein has been a game-changer, with the Thunder boasting an 8-2 record and a plus-12.3 net rating when both 7-footers are on the floor. — Tim MacMahon

3. Boston Celtics

• 2024-25 record: 47-18
• Previous ranking: 3
• Next games: vs. OKC (Mar. 12), @ MIA (Mar. 14), @ BKN (Mar. 15), vs. BKN (Mar. 18)

Kristaps Porzingis’ ongoing battle with a viral illness is concerning for the Celtics, but the return of Jrue Holiday from a pinky finger injury is a positive development. The Celtics will need all hands on deck as they navigate the final stretch of the season. — Tim Bontemps

4. Denver Nuggets

• 2024-25 record: 42-23
• Previous ranking: 6
• Next games: vs. MIN (Mar. 12), vs. LAL (Mar. 14), vs. WAS (Mar. 15), @ GS (Mar. 17)

Nikola Jokic is playing some of the best basketball of his life, despite dealing with elbow and ankle injuries. His recent 31-point, 22-assist, 21-rebound performance was historic. The Nuggets need a healthy supporting cast to make a deep playoff run, with Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon playing crucial roles. — Ohm Youngmisuk

5. Los Angeles Lakers

• 2024-25 record: 40-23
• Previous ranking: 4
• Next games: @ MIL (Mar. 13), @ DEN (Mar. 14), vs. PHX (Mar. 16), vs. SA (Mar. 17)

LeBron James’ left groin strain is a significant concern for the Lakers, but he’s not the only one dealing with injuries. Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes, Dorian Finney-Smith, Jordan Goodwin, and Rui Hachimura have all missed games recently. The Lakers will need to manage these injuries carefully as they push for a strong playoff position. — McMenamin

6. Memphis Grizzlies

• 2024-25 record: 41-24
• Previous ranking: 7
• Next games: vs. UTAH (Mar. 12), vs. CLE (Mar. 14), vs. MIA (Mar. 15), @ SAC (Mar. 17)

Despite injuries to key players like Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies have won three straight games. The return of Ja Morant and Desmond Bane has been instrumental, but the supporting cast will need to step up to maintain their momentum. — Michael Wright

7. New York Knicks

• 2024-25 record: 41-23
• Previous ranking: 5
• Next games: @ POR (Mar. 12), @ GS (Mar. 15), vs. MIA (Mar. 17)

With Jalen Brunson sidelined due to an ankle injury, the Knicks have an opportunity to develop a more versatile attack for the postseason. Brunson’s absence is a challenge, but it also presents a chance for the team to grow. — Chris Herring

8. Golden State Warriors

• 2024-25 record: 37-28
• Previous ranking: 12
• Next games: vs. SAC (Mar. 13), vs. NYK (Mar. 15), vs. DEN (Mar. 17), vs. MIL (Mar. 18)

The Warriors are on the rise, with Jonathan Kuminga expected to return soon. His explosive play off the bench could be a game-changer in the playoffs. Coach Steve Kerr is managing the team’s chemistry carefully, ensuring that role players continue to shine. — Youngmisuk

9. Houston Rockets

• 2024-25 record: 40-25
• Previous ranking: 8
• Next games: vs. PHX (Mar. 12), vs. DAL (Mar. 14), vs. CHI (Mar. 15), vs. PHI (Mar. 17)

Fred VanVleet’s return from an ankle injury is on the horizon, but the Rockets face a setback with Amen Thompson’s sprained ankle. With a six-game homestand ahead, the Rockets will rely on their two-big lineup to maintain their position in the standings. — Wright

10. Milwaukee Bucks

• 2024-25 record: 36-28
• Previous ranking: 9
• Next games: vs. LAL (Mar. 13), vs. IND (Mar. 15), vs. OKC (Mar. 16), vs. GS (Mar. 18)

Health is crucial for the Bucks’ championship aspirations. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s commitment to shooting more midrange shots has helped him stay fresh, and the Bucks are finding their stride as they aim for a deep playoff run. — Jamal Collier

As the regular season winds down, teams are making strategic decisions to balance health and performance. With the playoffs on the horizon, every game counts, and the stakes are higher than ever. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to track the NBA’s thrilling journey to the postseason.